How we began

(as told by co-founder Tim Hiller)

In the spring of 2014 I found myself with a dear friend of mine on the sidelines of a practice field at one of the premier athletic training facilities in the world. One of the quarterbacks I’ve been training and mentoring for a couple years was attending a camp at this facility. As I watched and listened to the instruction and the message being instilled behind it, the taste in my mouth grew more and more sour.

Everything was about the SELF.

“It’s all about ME” was the focal point of everything being taught. “Put up the numbers you want to put up.” “Get the scholarship you want to obtain.” “Market yourself to the right schools and recruiting agencies.” “Build your brand.” “Be the star to carry your team back home.” “Have the success you deserve.”

After a full day of hearing this continual message, my friend and I turned to each other and said, “We have to do something about this.” Two weeks later, Next Level Performance, LLC was established.

What we do

What do we do at Next Level? We build servant leaders, not just better student-athletes, because athletics will end, but leadership will not. We do this in two ways: performance training and leadership development. We attack and build the skill through services like sport-specific instruction and speed & agility training, but we also attack and build the will through our intensive leadership and character development curriculum. We deliver this curriculum in two ways – in “modules” that accompany every on-field training session and through our leadership development conferences which have already touched the lives of hundreds of high school and collegiate student-athletes.

Right or wrong, our society is fascinated with athletics. Athletes today have a platform and an influential voice. We want to do all we can to help student-athletes excel in the classroom and on the field. But, more importantly, we believe a purpose driven athlete is a force for positive change in the world. We equip each Next Level student-athlete with tools and strategies to lead and serve others in their teams, schools, communities, and homes. Building these skills in student-athletes is ultimately what will help them excel far beyond the field of competition – in their careers, in their marriages, in their parenting, and in whatever else they choose to pursue.